Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Vegan Orange Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine while adhering to plant-based principles. This dish features crispy tofu tossed in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, making it a delightful addition to your vegan repertoire. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or as a stunning centerpiece for a special occasion. The combination of textures and flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone craving more.

In this comprehensive recipe, we will guide you through each step of preparing this mouthwatering Vegan Orange Tofu. From selecting the best ingredients to cooking techniques that ensure perfect results, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to create this dish in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

  • 14 oz (400 g) firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, such as canola or avocado oil)

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for depth of flavor)

For Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions (for serving)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 12g

SmartPoints (WW):

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 6 points per serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

  1. Press the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to adhere better.

Step 2: Coat the Tofu

  1. Season the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Tofu

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep).
  2. Fry the Tofu: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and add sesame oil, if using.

Step 5: Combine Tofu and Sauce

  1. Toss the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine the crispy tofu and the thickened orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly with the sauce. Make sure each piece is well-covered for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the orange tofu to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and presentation.
  2. Enjoy: Serve the Vegan Orange Tofu over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Useful Information

Storage

Leftover Vegan Orange Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to maintain moisture.

Freezing

While tofu can be frozen, it may change in texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the cooked tofu separately from the sauce. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the tofu and sauce mixture.
  • Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

Tips for Success

  • Choosing Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe as it holds its shape well during frying. Silken tofu will not work for this dish.
  • Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the tofu to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Test by dropping a small piece of tofu into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Vegan Orange Tofu is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the vibrant flavors of orange with crispy tofu, offering a healthy alternative to traditional takeout. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking. Perfect for meal prep or impressing guests, this dish will become a favorite in your plant-based cooking repertoire. Enjoy the bright flavors and wholesome ingredients of this delicious Vegan Orange Tofu!